Sports

Excelling on court, in classroom

Megan Hastings looks for a way around the opponent. Photo by Larry Wright (click for larger version)

January 25, 2012 - Senior Megan Hastings boosted her Clarkston Lady Wolves Varsity Basketball team last Thursday, adding 16 points to the score in the win against North Farmington, 58-42.

"She is not the tallest, fastest or most athletic kid on the floor but she uses her strengths of mental toughness and knowledge of the game to excel," said mom, Kaye. "Her work ethic at the game, even as a senior, is what makes us the most proud of her accomplishments."

Her work ethic also transends to the classroom as she finished her first trimester with a 4.0 grade point average and continues to maintain in the current second trimester at Clarkston High School.

"It is kind of hard," Megan admitted about balancing school and both her sports - basketball and softball. "My parents are big on grades and school comes first. I am taking hard classes and I am in OSMTech. I just have to keep focused. It is doable but it is hard."

Megan is currently in AP Biology, AP Calculus, Civics, Economics and Pschology. Last semester she was in AP Biology, AP Calculus, Psychology as well with Accounting and Human Relations.

She plans to become a pharmacist and knows colleges look at the Advanced Placement courses plus it will help prepare her for college classes.

Megan, a four year starter, finishes every game by going home and analyzing the video her dad, Stu, shot during the game.

"After four years of doing this, Megan is the one ready for video analysis," said Kaye. "She has come to love that time with her dad and his ability to be able to help her become the player she is today."

Megan is still deciding on where she would like to go to college. She has offers to continue playing either basketball or softball at the next level.

"I cannot pick," she said still debating between the two sports she excels and enjoys playing.

Megan does know the younger athletes looking up to her and her teammates need to work hard and stick with the game.

"I know there are a lot of girls that aren't coming out as much so basketball is dropping out," she said. "They just need to keep practicing and practicing.

Wendi graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a degree in communications. She wrote for the Michigan Times college paper and Grand Blanc View before joining The Clarkston News in October 2007.